M2 May 2018 - LATEST ISSUE!
Building An Icon – Sir George Fistonich
Drinks International has for the fourth year in a row named Villa Maria as one of the most admired wine brands in the world and the highest ranking New Zealand winery in this year’s “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” list. And while Villa Maria has become an icon in the New Zealand wine industry and […]
The Gemma Observatory
There’s something quite awe-inspiring about stargazing. Looking deep into the speckled abyss of the cosmos is a humbling sensation felt by all since the dawn of humankind. Stargazers both serious and amateur will be left, well, starstruck by the Gemma Observatory – a slick, custom built observatory in that can rotate to give different views […]
Que Syrah Syrah
Syrah originated from the northern Rhône region of southeastern of France and is in fact the offspring of two relatively obscure grape varietals Dureza and Mondeuse blanche. While both of these are barely in existence today, Syrah is now the 7th most popular grape in the world, grown across the globe in wine growing regions […]
The Next Revolution
The next revolution in photography has landed as the Sony World Photography Awards, an annual competition held by the World Photography Organization. A stunning celebration of capturing life’s most precious moments with just one click. On its 11th year (and counting), the awards are back and bigger than ever. Over 320,000 entries were considered last […]
M2 PEAK PERFORMANCE powered by Under Armour
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The Gentle Art
My first sparring session (or ‘roll’, as its known colloquially) was an education into how vulnerable we are. It’s comparable to being thrown into a pool without knowing how to swim, or trying to control a boa constrictor. I remember being absolutely manhandled. Using pressure and techniques completely foreign to me, I was dissected in […]
Unstoppable Force
Mike Horn has circumnavigated the globe more times than a NASA satellite. He’s climbed to the top of numerous 8000+ metre peaks (without oxygen), walked unassisted to both Poles and all the way around the North one, swam the Amazon, played with sharks and piranhas and even had a lap dance from a polar bear. With […]
Going For Gold – David Bishop
Ex-engineering student, sport fanatic and skilled gymnast, David Bishop is a perfect example of someone who emulates the good ol’ Kiwi spirit. He has a can-do attitude, that lovable personality and the type of ability any sportsman would love to encompass. He is a medal-winning gymnast, fitness coach, and with some big competitions coming up, […]
The One To Watch – Opie Bosson
Opie Bosson Reins Supreme In The Twilight Of His Career In a sports world obsessed and put into context by statistics, the phenomenal haul of veteran Kiwi jockey Opie Bosson has to be studied twice to truly appreciate. In a 23 year career in the ruthless racing industry, the 37 year old has amassed over […]
Style
Best Of The Watch Fairs – 2018
What with luxury watch brands having slipped back into the mainstream market for watch buyers, the timepiece is still very much alive and well. The big names in the watch business – Switzerland, Italy etc – still produce top-quality timepieces that will stand the test of time. M2 have put together a list of luxury […]
If The Shoe Fits
Start the day on the right foot by making sure your shoe game is on point.
Style Update – May 2018
It’s time to fully embrace all the latest and greatest Autumn style trends. Here’s all the trends and pieces you need to get in on. Vans Vans never seem to fail anyone when they’re looking for fashionable, easy-to-wear shoes. They have the street cred as well. If you were a youngster in the early 80’s, […]
Wild
Surgeons of the Sea
Free Willy vs Jaws… who wins? Hollywood has altered our expectations about how this sort of apex predator duel would go down. Unless you spend more time watching documentaries than old movies on VHS, then the answer isn’t so clear. The biggest great white sharks can measure six metres long, weigh more than 2200 kilograms […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
11 Deadliest Animals on the Planet, And How to Survive Them
The animal kingdom is a strange and wonderful place. From architects to mimes, assassins to philanderers, each animal has its own niche, a role and place. While we regularly encounter cats, dogs, birds and bugs, our chances of seeing dangerous animals are usually limited to visiting the zoo or watching The Discovery Channel. But while […]
Behind The Lens: Open Ocean
The thought of delving into the deep and getting face-to-face with some of the world’s biggest and deadliest beasts is not something everyone can face. But it is a different story for underwater videographer and adrenaline junkie, Steve Hathaway. Fascinated about life under the surface, M2 dove straight in when the opportunity arose to talk […]
Snow
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
STEF ZEESTRATEN: HALFPIPE HEDONIST
From one of the flattest countries in the world, to the sharp ascents of the Southern Alps, Dutch-born Stef Zeestraten has, as is his wont, carved a name for himself in New Zealand snowboarding folklore. Throughout his 17-year competitive career that saw him peak at 47th in the world in 2008, Zeestraten has followed the serious […]
The Mazda SKI-ACTIV Experience
I vividly remember the first time I actually put skis on and hit (quite literally) the snow. I was in my late teens and full of bravado; I headed to the top of the chairlift, strapped on two planks of wood and shot down the slope – straight into a tree. The sensation was both […]
Climbing The Podium: Kiwis at the Winter Paralympics
The Winter Games, both Olympic and Paralympic, usually pass with minimal mention down under, but in the case of the compact Kiwi Paralympian team heading to South Korea this March, there’s reason to take notice. For a global event that is heavily dominated by northern hemisphere athletes, New Zealand participants more than hold their own. […]
Leadership
Reinvention At Scale
Spark CEO, Simon Moutter, is leading our largest telco through the one of the most disruptive eras in business and the tech industry. All whilst reinventing the nature and structure of a company that employs thousands of New Zealanders and invests hundreds of millions into infrastructure. This is a process that is helped by the logic and pragmatism of a […]
The Chair: Rob Campbell
Over the last 30 years Rob Campbell is on the board of some of our largest companies across our largest industries. Currently Chair of Summerset Group Holdings (NZ) and WEL Energy, and a director of SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Precinct Properties as well a director of or advisor to a number of hedge and private […]
Industry In Site
Over the past few years, we have seen a huge jump in the level of innovation, experience and concepts within the hospitality industry in this part of the world. No longer do we have to jump on a plane to get unique and exciting hospitality experiences. We are creating world-class cafes, restaurants, hotels and developments […]
MARKET LEADER: The driving force behind the real estate evolution
Brendon Skipper’s role as CEO of New Zealand’s No.1 property site, realestate.co.nz, draws on more than 20 years of experience across sales and marketing, property, IT and telecommunications, but he is quick to point out that the CEO role is one that doesn’t come with a manual. Could you describe a standard day for yourself? […]
Gadgets
5 Tech Trends That Will Disrupt Kiwi Marketing
M2 Coach Podcast – 5 Tech Trends That Will Disrupt Kiwi Marketing Let’s face it, there aren’t many aspects of our lives that technology hasn’t touched. This month, I caught up with some of my friends in the marketing world for their take on the top technology trends that are set to disrupt Kiwi marketing. […]
The QC35 II, First to Have Google Assistant Integration
Bose announced its iconic QC35 will be the first headphone to offer seamless voice access to your Google Assistant. It also now comes with settings to control the noise around you. The QC35 II noise cancelling headphones have all the performance and features of the original QC35. They deliver the same noise cancellation, audio performance, […]
Virgin’s Hyperloop One
Sitting in traffic in a state of gridlock is a painful experience. Moving inch-by-inch as talking heads on the radio yabber on while drivers attempt to cheekily cut across lanes, the frustration of being stuck between point A and point B is excruciating. Increasing traffic congestion is a legitimate problem facing major cities around the […]
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, A No Brainer Must Buy
When I get a Switch game I always feel like I’m getting two games for one. I plug the Switch into the TV and I’m playing a console. I pull the Switch out of its cradle and now I have the same game on a portable device. It really is amazing. So much so I […]
Mandate
Gorillaz – A Cultural Touchstone
Gorillaz has been a project that has continued to defy expectations. Started in collaboration between Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, the band has somehow bridged the gap between hip-hop and alternative rock. Casual fans can appreciate the music for what it is, while those willing to dive into the Gorillaz mythology are rewarded with a rich story […]
Cabin Fever – the architecture of remote cabins and epic spaces
Alpine Shelter Skuta Mountain, Slovenia. OFIS architects and AKT II with harvard gsd students Inspired by the vernacular architecture of Slovenia, with its rich and diverse heritage, this gem is practical against the extreme alpine climate and radical temperature shifts. Embedded in the rugged terrain of Skuta Mountain in the Kamnik Alps, the shelter comprises three […]
Taking Flight: Falcon Heavy Flies High
To say that humanity in comparison to outer space is infinitesimal would be an understatement. However, when humanity ventures off into outer space that task is anything but infinitesimal – it’s monumentous. And, on the 6th of February at around 3:45pm Eastern Time ( Thursday 9:45am NZT), SpaceX launched Falcon Heavy, the world’s most powerful […]
This Silo Museum Is a Sight to Behold
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which opened in late September is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Made from grain silos decommissioned in 2001, its exterior looks bland and squat. However its interior is an amazing cutaway of concrete tubes. To create such a striking piece of architecture the developers put 500 million […]
Man on the Street
Man On The Street – Henry Beasley
When your life is full of writing, acting, producing AND being the lead singer of a band, you’re bound to have something interesting to say. Henry Beasley takes a few minutes with M2 to discuss life, success and motivation in this edition of Man On The Street: Age: 24 Occupation: Writer, actor, producer and […]
Man On The Street – Jared Smith
If you didn’t need money, what would you do? “I’d still build. I’d build cars, build tree houses, build cool alternative structures. I am not one to be able to do nothing, I always find something to keep my hands busy” – This guy clearly loves his job. Age: 28 Occupation: Owner of Round […]
Man On The Street – Adam Metcalf
Age 27 Occupation: Head Chef at Lula Inn What’s your morning routine? A PT session at Les Mills and then straight into the kitchen for work. What’s the top three things on your bucket list? 1. Nevis Bungy jump 2. Visit Old Trafford 3. Eat at Alinea restaurant in Chicago What advice would you give […]
Man On The Street – Shawn Pope
Age: 46 Occupation: Director of Melba Group What’s your morning routine? Starts with coffee, preferably roasted by Espresso Workshop, it always has! What are the top three things on your bucket list? Spend a white Christmas with my family in the States, travel on the Orient Express (can’t wait to see St Petersburg), windsurf on […]
Design
The Electric Future – Tesla Stem
Bruce Wayne, Tony Stark – they don’t exist. Sorry folks. We do have Elon Musk, however. And, quite frankly, that’ll do. Whether he has his sights set to the stars with SpaceX, disrupting the automotive world with Tesla or providing powerwalls to a broken Puerto Rico, Musk is doing this whole billionaire philanthropist thing quite […]
Amazon Goes Green Spheres
Kindle, Amazon Web Services, Amazon Prime, Amazon Go, Alexa. Amazon are ever the innovators and that’s not even considering the behemoth that is their online shopping platform. And, with CEO Jeff Bezos firmly set as the richest person on the planet with a net worth of $120.5 billion (USD), Amazon have decided to celebrate their […]
PassivDom: 3D printed houses fit for any apocalypse or housing crisis
Housing Crisis. Did you feel that? That’s the sense of uneasiness, the power of two words that divided nation during election season. Let’s slice right through that however and take a look at PassivDom, a Ukrainian homebuilding start-up that uses 3D printing to construct slick, independent modular houses. Building a house is not just a […]
To The Manor Reborn AKA Unearthing Diamonds
The opportunity arose to visit the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and I seized it with both hands. Not only would it give me the chance to pore over such iconic cars as the E-Type and Land Rover Series 1 , but it also came with the offer of being chauffeur driven there and back in a […]
Deep Dives
The Modern Day Space Race
The solar system we occupy is a fascinating place, that’s for certain – nine planets that glow as beacons and an uncountable infinity of stars. Beginning in the late 1950s, a race pitted capitalist America against communist Soviet Union to see who was superior with their space technology. The Soviets took the lead by launching […]
Who Is Using Your Data?
Zuckerberg: Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard Just ask. I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS [Redacted Friend’s Name]: What? How’d you manage that one? Zuckerberg: People just submitted it. I don’t know why. They “trust me”. Zuckerberg: Dumb f**ks. This was an ironically leaked series of messages between […]
All Hail Our Secret Government
It’s a golden time for lobbyists at the moment. We’ve just had a change in government and that means it’s time for everything to change, come what may. Duh, it has to – as the last guys obviously got every single thing wrong! But there’s a slight problem in that, aside from a couple of […]
The Fight For Gender Diversity – An Ad Man’s POV
So, a high-powered panel of female leaders featuring Theresa Gattung, Justine Smyth, Tracey Cross, Naomi Ballantyne and Linda Meade were at the M2woman Journey to Excellence forum recently. I think it’s fair to say that the gist of their forum was; “we want moregender equality in the workplace! Now, dammit! Now!” Huh? Is this really […]
Cover Stories
Jamie Dornan – The Colour In The Grey
“His eyes are intense, probing, demanding even. I stretch out beside him, feeling loose-limbed, my bones like jelly, but I’m relaxed, deeply relaxed.” – E. L. James, Fifty Shades of Grey. As I write this piece, I’m trying my absolute best to not cry of laughter in the office. Never in my wildest dreams would […]
Eddie Redmayne – The Real Fantastic Beast
I try my best to avoid cliche, but there’s this famous quote that goes, “if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. While normally I would lump that quote in with gems such as “live, laugh, love” and “keep calm and carry on”, I feel like using […]
Matt Smith – The Fresh Prince
Time Lord or Prince Charming? Take your pick, but rising star Matt Smith can lay claim to both. The rising style icon, ex-Doctor Who, and now Prince Philip, in Netflix blockbuster The Crown, is beginning to carve out his own kingdom – one role at a time. The divine right of kings is a religious […]
Chris Pine, A Lead Team Player
Chris Pine is the classic ladies man, designed in a lab somewhere as a weaponised human being with the set purpose of breaking hearts wherever he goes. Born in Los Angeles to Robert Pine and Gwynne Gilford, both of whom who are actors (Robert was a CHiPs co-star). It seems natural in hindsight that the […]
Success
Turn Your Opportunities Into Success
Are you going to get off your arse this year and turn your opportunities into success? New Zealand needs you (yes, all of you) to be very successful! Success is defined differently by different people, and while this means a resulting wide range of varied outcomes, it is undisputed that we are all capable of […]
The importance of business values
A crucial process your business can go through is creating a set of values. I believe having a well thought out set of values is just as important as a business strategy. But putting them down on paper and ticking them off the list is not enough – you and your team must live and […]
Living an Extraordinary Life Means Giving Up a Normal One
The larger mob of society will never experience true success. Why? Because this majority is unwilling to become the CEO of their life – they’d rather someone else call the shots. They are unwilling to take risks, to fail publicly or be forced to try again after getting knocked down. They are unwilling to sacrifice […]
Changing The World With Data
As an ex-mechanical engineer and farmer, Clint Van Marrewijk has probably had a varied pathway to co-founding a data driven New Zealand company that is gaining exponential global growth and changing the way that people are interacting with their environment. While ThunderMaps is being used by councils and large organisations around the globe, the concept […]
Amazing Photos
The Next Revolution
The next revolution in photography has landed as the Sony World Photography Awards, an annual competition held by the World Photography Organization. A stunning celebration of capturing life’s most precious moments with just one click. On its 11th year (and counting), the awards are back and bigger than ever. Over 320,000 entries were considered last […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
What Lies Beneath
From growing up in a small town in North Canterbury, to hosting his very own series, picked up by a global documentary giant – National Geographic – Ellis Emmett truly is an inspiration to get out there and get stuck into something you love and turn your ideas and dreams into a reality. We manage […]
Long Live The Silver Screen
Think about the magic and excitement of driving up to a local parking lot, ready to watch the latest feature film in the comfort of your own car. The light from the projector beams a dancing stream of images onto the giant screen ahead, while kids laugh and play beneath the screen. American-based photographer Lindsey […]
Sport
WINSTON FROM WESTHAM
Big footballing names are few and far between in New Zealand, but in recent times, the national side have had a genuine star of the game leading the way to the FIFA World Cup. In 2010, Ryan Nelsen famously led the All Whites to an unbeaten Cup run, and his underling in that tournament has […]
Hayden Paddon, Gravel Guru
A generation after the world-beating deeds of the late Possum Bourne, rally star Hayden Paddon has once again put Kiwi drivers on the map. The Hyundai driver has become a fixture on the world’s loose roads for the past four years and has been supremely competitive when all the stars align. In such a condensed […]
Michael Venus – New Zealand Tennis’ Shinning Star
Uncommon, like the generational flash of a passing comet or a fleeting eclipse, Michael Venus is New Zealand’s latest tennis shining star and in 2017 became the first Kiwi to win a Grand Slam doubles title since 1979. At the tender age of 30, the Auckland-born and bred resident took out the Roland Garros title […]
Sports – March 2018
The One To Watch: Blair Tuke New Zealand sailing’s unsung hero Team New Zealand trimmer and 49er legend Blair Tuke hasn’t always been in his good mate, Peter Burling’s shadow and he has stepped out of it again by continuing New Zealand’s proud history in the Volvo Ocean Race. Before the America’s Cup became the […]
Bucket List Experiences
An experience of Epic Propotions
A Heineken Hosted Party Cruise & European Tour Is as Awesome as You Would Imagine March 13th – just another day in the office – I received an email asking if I’d be interested in “experiencing an amazing Greek Islands Cruise where the UEFA Champions League final will be screened while out at sea, followed […]
Top 10 Hikes In New Zealand
Walking, hiking, tramping – they’re Kiwi traditions that everyone loves. There are a wide variety of walks around the country to suit anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, there’s a walk out there for you. Here at the M2 office, we’re big fans of anything that’s fun, active, and gives […]
Photo Series: Dark And Stormy
The sky above you starts roaring, you feel the earth beneath you quivering and the crisp, whirling air feels like it’s forming icicles on your cheeks. But the lighting is perfect and the brewing tornado plummets to the ground below, you feel the clunk of your camera shutter opening to capture the moment. And you […]
Beretta At Bracu
Situated on the Simunovich Olive Estate at the foot of the Bombay Hills, Bracu is a fascinating blend of old world heritage, cutting edge creativity, a large-scale olive operation and intimate dining… oh, and some knife throwing. Founded in 1999 by the Simonivich family, and known today as one of the largest privately owned olive […]
Wheels
Porsche Macan Turbo Power Pack – A Real Bench Lifter
From a gym goer’s point of view, the bench press is one of the most popular exercises in terms of increasing upper body strength. From a supine position on top of a bench (and using weights on a barbell), the motion consists of raising the bar from chest to the full extent of the arms […]
Wheels News – September 2017
Pictured: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Family Across the street, but way up-market Aston Martin finally has the home it deserves. Situated in the new nine-level, 5900-square metre Giltrap Group headquarters, Aston Martin Auckland offers the floor space to showcase up to 15 vehicles as well as a contemporary service centre, modern delivery suite and two luxurious […]
Farmyard Frolics – Audi Q5/SQ5
Over the years, high-end European SUVs have been given the less than gracious nickname Remuera Tractors. Fitted with more bling than an American Rap artist, but with (if possible) less substance behind them, it’s easy to understand why. In truth, their general day-to-day use barely has them venture into a puddle or over a speed […]
Transformer Maserati
It’s been nigh-on one year since the Maserati Levante SUV hit the streets, and what an impact it has had on the brand; it’s been quite the transformation. A massive 35 percent of Maserati’s new sales last year were Levante, and they predict the figure to be 55 percent this year. What’s more, it’s not just movement inside […]
Health
Comvita – Manuka Honey
More than just your favourite spread, if you are unaware of the benefits of manuka honey, then you have clearly not been listening to us share about its health benefits recently. So, we’ll say it again… listen up, and take notes. In 1974, Comvita® founders Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen believed in the power of nature. Four […]
The Benefits Of Comvita Honey
More than just your favourite spread; if you are unaware of the benefits of Manuka Honey, then you have clearly not been listening to us share about it’s health benefits recently. So, those of you listen up, and take notes. In 1974, Comvita® founders Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen believed in the power of nature. Four […]
5 Food Tips That Will Make you Look & Feel Better
You are what you eat. So if you’re like me you’re pretty quick, but mostly garbage. That doesn’t need to be the case, however! There are plenty of easy things we can do with our diet that will make us look and feel like winners. BREAKFAST FOR ENERGY Make sure you start the day with […]
Health News – February 2018
It’s the season of summer sports, so grab your mates and head out to the tennis, races or polo this February. Catwalk Trust Modern medicine is an incredible thing. Smallpox? Eradicated. Heart failure? We can transplant a new one. But there are fields where more research is required and the treatment and cure for Spinal […]
Entertainment
Gregg Hurwitz
Gregg Hurwitz – the New York Times bestselling writer of 19 novels, numerous screenplays for films and a New York Times Bestselling graphic novelist for 14 comic books – has definitely hit the ground running when it comes to producing top-quality, thrilling fiction. With multiple award nods under his belt – such as a two-time […]
Double Edged: The Return of Blade Runner
We’re treading on hallowed ground now. We all knew that one day Hollywood’s rummaging hand would light upon a classic like Blade Runner. They’ve already made the right first move by not rebooting everything from scratch. The second move they need to make is far more nuanced. Just a little background for readers who are […]
Forza Motorsport 7 Review
700 cars. 700 cars!!!!! I’m never going to have the time to race in 700 cars. That’s a huge number. These aren’t just 100 cars with 7 slight variations to each – these are 700 unique vehicles. A few days back my go to car was a 1932 Ford De Luxe coupe. Today it’s the […]
Assassins Creed Origin Review
You slowly look to the left, spotting your target. Unable to fully scope the terrain you let your pet eagle scout the area from above and highlight enemies for you. Scaling the nearby building you wait for your target to get near. You dive towards him as a hidden retractable blade flicks out from your […]
Food
Where Our Chefs Eat: The Ultimate Mans Guide
There’s nothing worse than pining after a dish all day, only to be miserably disappointed when your order doesn’t quite live up to the expectations. With a dizzying array of options dotted around the city, it’s hard to know where to even begin. To avoid a serious case of food disappointment, we spoke to some […]
Discover Your New Local – Ben Bayly’s Less Obvious Guide to the Best Restaurants
We live in a golden age of chefs. Between the move towards consumers seeking a more personal and authentic dining experience, Auckland is bubbling over with cooking legends who not only practice world-class gastronomy but also manage to remain authentic with more focus on craft than profit. Ben Bayly, one of the judges on New […]
Recipe: Butter Infused With All Natural Ingredients
When it comes to summer food there is one thing many of us look forward to all year – BBQs. Perfectly cooked steak, fresh prawns and locally caught fish with summer salads and perla potatoes. It’s a summer tradition, really! Award-winning chef Owen Sinclair has created a must-have for your next BBQ with Flavour Fiend […]
The Burger Battle
Each week seems to bring another burger joint opening, but hey, we’re not complaining. But with each new opening comes a new concept, so which fusion, style or flavour do you pick? Better Burger These guys seem to be taking on the city, with the recent opening of their Sylvia Park store showing they have […]
Wine
Wine Guide: Beyond Borders
A Bordeaux wine is any wine produced in the Bordeaux region of south-west France. The area produces predominantly red wines, which the English will often refer to as Clarets. These red Bordeaux wines are generally made from a blend of grapes, with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being the most common. While the Bordeaux […]
Chardonnay VS. Chablis
In this issue we compare some of our best New Zealand Chardonnays with their close relatives from the Chablis region of France. The big difference we found was the flinty minerality of the Chablis versus the more dominant fruit flavours that came through in their New Zealand counterparts. To be called a Chablis they must […]
Cyclones & Grapes The Making of a Unique Vintage
If you thought that 2017’s random weather patterns had ruined your weekend plans spare a thought for our nation’s winemakers whose reputations hinge on one of the more challenging vintages in recent history. With Cyclone Debbie, Cyclone Donna, Cyclone Cook and other extreme weather events impacting vineyards all over the country winemakers have had a […]
Mills Reef winery launches a new range of wines called Bespoke
One of our favourite wineries and the most awarded boutique winery in new Zealand has just come out with a new range. This new range joins their premium lineup and sits perfectly between their Elspeth and the Reserve ranges that we often recommend in M2. The new line up was born from the desire of […]
Coach Your Way To Success
5 tactics to tackle workplace stress
Running a fast-growing company can be difficult; the buck stops with you and, as well as the ‘big picture’ strategic and leadership work, you’re often dealing with issues and fighting fires. You have to delegate and put your trust in other people and, invariably, some of them let you down, which only adds to the […]
Turn Your Opportunities Into Success
Are you going to get off your arse this year and turn your opportunities into success? New Zealand needs you (yes, all of you) to be very successful! Success is defined differently by different people, and while this means a resulting wide range of varied outcomes, it is undisputed that we are all capable of […]
Why you need to simplify your business and your life.
It will make you happier, more profitable and give you more free time, and this one strategy will carry on giving right through your life. The cost of working around a mess, looking for something in an overfull storage room, carrying too large a range of stock, producing small production runs makes our world busy, […]
Understand your 10 motivators
When you do, you will be more successful, do projects that make you happy, and understand more what kind of people you need to partner with. I have listed the 10 most significant motivational drivers. These can be singular influences or – for most of us, in most situations – these can form a cocktail […]
Luxury Watches
Montblanc Picks of 2017
Montblanc 1858 Automatic Evoking designs and themes of timepieces past is a formula that can either work fantastically or come across as contrived. Montblanc’s 1858 collection, in particular the Montblanc 1858 Automatic, tastefully pays tribute to the Minerva chronographs of the 1930s, while making subtle changes for the sensibilities of the modern day. A deep […]
M2 Luxury Watch Guide 2017
The phrase ‘time is relative to the observer’ arose from Albert Einstein’s field equations, which were published in 1915. Although he was talking about time as it pertains to general relativity, this extends to us as observers within the human condition. A minute can feel like hours at moments of stress. Conversely, the oft-thrown-around idiom […]
SEIKO Picks of 2017
Seiko Astron GPS Solar Seiko launched the Astron GPS Solar at Baselworld 2012 and five years onward, the range of Astron GPS Solar calibres continues to grow in line with the ever-widening demand for smart watch technologies. The new 8X42 brings the number of active GPS Solar calibers to four in the Astron range and […]
TAG Heuer Picks of 2017
TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T Tourbillon Baguette Diamonds Jack Heuer, great-grandson of founder Edouard Heuer, designed the original Carrera in 1963, inspired by the speed, thrill and edginess in the world of auto-racing. The 2017 Carrera Heuer-02T Tour channels the daredevil bravado of Carrera’s past and injects it with the unabandoned flashiness and swagger of the […]
Drink
A New Drop
A harvest gold complexion and a fiery-but-curious sweet toffee texture, Ardbeg An Oa is a magical addition welcomed to the Islay Malts. Layered with a plethora of different flavours, the complex whiskey contains an illuminating exploration of age-old techniques. Gathering Vats combine different casks to marry flavours together; the tastes and emotions that Ardbeg have […]
Clink Clink Drink
Whiskey has been a passion of mine for a while now. Way before I started my Instagram, @clinkclinkdrink, I would enjoy a regular dram with my dad. Since then I have embraced the full definition of what whiskey can be – Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, even New Zealand and Japanese. Whiskey is great neat, but […]
Taste Of Summer
Seek out those who embrace the unusual, and you’ll find that Hendrick’s Gin is much loved by a handful of curious individuals all over the world. infused with the remarkable Bulgarian Rosa Damascena and specially selected cucumbers, Hendrick’s Gin has a unique botanical signature that sets it apart from the rest. The master distiller carefully crafts […]
Limited numbers of bottles of this whisky are landing in NZ, here’s when & where to find them
Extending the annual Islay Whisky Festival – Feis Ile – in Scotland slightly, Ardbeg Day will be celebrated in New Zealand on Saturday June 3. The celebrations stretch across the country in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. There will be celebrations along with the official release of the limited edition Ardbeg Kelpie for purchase, paired canapes […]
Authors
Clive Cussler – The Underwater Adventurer
Best-selling author of up to 70 books (and counting), Clive Cussler is a writer with an insanely vivid imagination. Swashbuckling adventures, megalomaniac villains, the electricity of espionage, the excitement of discovering sunken ships…intrigue, action, a snippet of humour – there’s something for every reader in Cussler’s writing. The author of The Mediterranean Caper (1973), Sahara […]
NELSON DEMILLE
America’s Greatest Living Thriller Writer (as titled on the front cover of his latest novel, The Cuban Affair), Nelson Demille writes his books with a pencil and paper from his home in Long Island, New York. It’s a process that works for him. The Cuban Affair (his 20th novel) has hit-the-ground-running by heading straight to […]
Gregg Hurwitz
Gregg Hurwitz – the New York Times bestselling writer of 19 novels, numerous screenplays for films and a New York Times Bestselling graphic novelist for 14 comic books – has definitely hit the ground running when it comes to producing top-quality, thrilling fiction. With multiple award nods under his belt – such as a two-time […]
Stephen King – Author Credit
The infamous 1986 horror novel IT will be seen in a different light the movie hits the big screens this September. We hear from the man, Stephen King himself, about what he thinks of the upcoming iteration. When you watch a film based on one of your books, like IT, do you find yourself thinking […]
Book Reviews
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
TELL NO LIES Gregg Hurwitz The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his sweetheart and becomes a psychologist who works with ex-prisoners to rehabilitate them. Mother does not approve. It’s a murder mystery with twists and turns and […]
The Books To Read
Typhoon Fury Clive Cussler Juan Cabrillo and the corporation are off on another adventure, this time sees them in Asia. A good old fashioned good guy versus the bad guys with the villain being tough and not to be messed with. This is the 9th Oregon files book, those familiar with the series will know […]
5 books that have changed the way I think about business
As an entrepreneur, I don’t have as much time for reading as I would like; I’m often too busy ‘doing’. But there’s value to be gleaned from other people’s stories of having been there, done that, and lots we can learn from their trials and tribulations. So here are five books that have affected me […]
Book reviews – March 2018
By Tim Lawrence I haven’t read the first two Orphan X novels, but I did read and review another Hurwitz novel last year, Tell No Lies, where I said: “ The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his […]
M2 April 2018 issue
Gadgets: HP AMP 120 Printer
Sometimes stunning things happen when the best of both worlds combine. Peanut butter and jam. Cheese and wine. Printer and speaker. Ahh, the pleasures of 21st‑century living. The HP AMP 120 combines the functionality of printer and speaker into a streamlined hybrid that delivers. You can easily print photos directly from your camera roll, […]
All Hail Our Secret Government
It’s a golden time for lobbyists at the moment. We’ve just had a change in government and that means it’s time for everything to change, come what may. Duh, it has to – as the last guys obviously got every single thing wrong! But there’s a slight problem in that, aside from a couple of […]
Modern-Day Family Values
It seems to me that modern-day family life is not only getting unbelievably busy, but it’s also getting more and more disjointed. What used to be a weekend is now a series of ‘events’ and what used to be interaction now seems to be a group of people at the same location whose minds (and […]
Sports News – April 2018
The One To Watch: Hamish Bond Swaps The Boat For The Bike What do you do when you’ve won two gold medals rowing at the Olympics, taken home seven consecutive world championships and can’t be beaten over eight long years? Take up cycling, is Hamish Bond’s response and he wasn’t meaning a dilly-dally out into […]
M2 MARCH 2018 issue
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
Health News
Fall into autumn this March as we change seasons – get the best, to perform at your peak. New Balance New Balance will release its latest shoe onto the market this month. The annual Grey Day is merging the sophisticated with the sportiest footwear. Made with a breathable suede and a well-made lightwear, the 574 […]
Sports – March 2018
The One To Watch: Blair Tuke New Zealand sailing’s unsung hero Team New Zealand trimmer and 49er legend Blair Tuke hasn’t always been in his good mate, Peter Burling’s shadow and he has stepped out of it again by continuing New Zealand’s proud history in the Volvo Ocean Race. Before the America’s Cup became the […]
The Discoverer – Venice
Venice is the playground of Europe’s elite and globetrotters alike. The city is dotted with five-star hotels, a plethora of restaurants serving up exquisite meals and velvet-padded gondolas bobbing in the canals ready to take you wherever your heart desires. There is a special charm about the city of Venice that has been attracting tourists […]
M2 FEBRUARY 2018 issue
Taking Off Into The Future
On the 7th of January, SpaceX launched the uncrewed Zuma spacecraft into the stratosphere in accordance with the United States government. With 21 successful launches under their belt, SpaceX’s revolutionary, fully reusable rockets are able to create a safe travel path for future rockets. This impressive development in technology could possibly allow greater developments and […]
The Sport Of Kings
Polo is known as the Sport of Kings – a gentleman’s game, a game of skill and endurance, where the players must score points (sort of like football), all whilst riding horseback. First mentioned in literature in Persia about 600 BC, when the tribes domesticated horses and used the sport as a way of training […]
Transparent Pods To Solve Future Traffic Jams
We’re lucky that here in New Zealand “gridlock” means that you’re only slightly inconvenienced and might end up at work late an hour or so. In places like China, “gridlock” means that you might end up stuck in traffic for 11 days – seriously, Google it. Traffic and major cities go together like hand in […]
Diamond Geezer – Range Rover Velar
In cockney terms, a diamond geezer is a type of good bloke, a stand-up man, an all-round good sort… in other words, the Range Rover Velar. For as well as the Velar hailing from the UK, being a ‘bit of awright’, driving well and having some blinding good tech, it also comes loaded with diamonds […]
M2 JANUARY 2018 issue
Destination Du Jour – Plazzo Versace Dubai
Dubai, as we all know, is located in the United Arab Emirates and is renowned for luxury, wealth and total opulence – the perfect location to home one of the fashion industry’s most iconic brand’s hotel: Versace. Iconic and ultra-modern architecture fills the skyline of this bodacious city, as it continues to expand and increase […]
Star Wars Laser Battle Drone
Propel (the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of radio-controlled devices) has recently released a new toy on the market, launching gaming and high-tech droning into the next galaxy. With The Last Jedi having hit the big screen last month, and more themed merchandise arriving on shelves around the country, Star Wars-mania is well and truly […]
Top Cat – Jaguar F-PACE 25D R-Sport
As a kid, the coolest cat I remember was Top Cat or T.C to his close friends. Sporting a mauve pork pie hat and waistcoat, he and his gang of alley cats (Benny the Ball, Choo-Choo, Brain, Fancy Fancy and Spook), ruled Manhattan from their home base in Hoagy’s Alley, pulling high-jinx and tormenting Officer […]
Taste Of Summer
Seek out those who embrace the unusual, and you’ll find that Hendrick’s Gin is much loved by a handful of curious individuals all over the world. infused with the remarkable Bulgarian Rosa Damascena and specially selected cucumbers, Hendrick’s Gin has a unique botanical signature that sets it apart from the rest. The master distiller carefully crafts […]
M2 DECEMBER 2017 issue - Man of the Year issue
Man On The Street – Daniel Na
Age: 28 Occupation: Executive chef at Ostro What’s your morning routine? As soon as I wake up I make a short black for myself and start making breakfast. After, I get changed, walk to work, taking the same route as I do everyday. This makes it feel like a good start to the day! What […]
The Evolution Of Coach
This year, we were delighted to present the partnership with Coach for our M2 Man of the Year Awards. As a lifestyle magazine that delivers all things luxury with a humbled approach, it was an obvious decision to create an alignment with Coach. It is a brand that pertains to quality craftsmanship, quirky creativity and […]
How To Choose A Real Estate Agent
Selling your home is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, one of the first steps to ensuring you get the best price for your home is engaging a real estate agent that knows your area and the type of house you are selling. […]
Huawei Mate 10 Review
The Huawei Mate 10 Series Jumps into the Superphone era. Huawei is making some bold claims about its new Mate 10 series. It’s biggest being the world’s first mobile AI-specific Neural Network Processing Unit, within its Kirin 970 AI mobile chipset. What does that even mean? Let’s find out! The Kirin 970 AI chipset’s specialised NPU, […]
M2 NOVEMBER 2017 issue
Wine Guide – Soulful Sauvs
While Chardonnays might be making a comeback and a lot of people are ‘branching out’ and trying different varietals, it is still the Sauvignon Blancs that dominate the landscape when it comes to our favourite white wines. It is of course the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that we have to thank for the meteoric rise of […]
SONY Cyber-Shot DSC-HX90V
No one ever wants to miss capturing a special moment, and that’s why smartphone cameras are great, but when you want to take your photography game a little further it is important to look for a camera that suits and caters to your needs. In this case we take a look at the Sony DSC-HX90V. […]
This is What the Future of BMW Looks Like
At CES2017 BMW revealed the BMW i Inside Future sculpture, an experimental concept pushing the boundaries of how we interact with our vehicles. The interior design is more zenlike in its simplicity, and takes the focus away from the driver. In previous BMW’s they’ve aimed all the controls at the driver, making them a pilot at […]
The BOOST↑UP Takes the Hassle out of Charging
Charging your iPhone just got as easy as putting it down. Simplify Charging Simplify charging your devices and unclutter your space! Posted by M2 Magazine New Zealand on Wednesday, 6 December 2017 Belkin has worked closely with Apple to create a fast efficient charging pad for iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 8. The BOOST↑UP […]
M2 OCTOBER 2017 issue
Man on the Street – Neil Baudinet
Age: 58 Occupation: Company Director, Montblanc. What is your morning routine? I get up reasonably early. Fortunately, I have a home office. I do a couple of hours of emailing and catching up on things that have happened overnight. Then I head to the gym. On the days I don’t do that, I take the […]
Style News October 2017
The latest in all things style, from fashion to fragrance – we bring you the best from the brands you need to know about. Above: Dane Dehaan for the Prada La’Homme Intense Campaign THE WEEKND The Weeknd recently announced, with a post on his Instagram to his 15 million-something followers, that he is again collaborating […]
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
Three Days And A Life Pierre Lemaitre Reading this book for me was like watching a great arthouse film. Lemaitre, who Stephen King says is “a really excellent suspense novelist”, had me gripped from the opening pages. I really felt for our lead character and wondered what was he going to do. How do you […]
Wheels News – Our pick of what’s hot, fun and quite simply bizarre.
Range Rover Velar New Range Rover Velar, showcasing the next chapter in Range Rover design DNA. Progressive design, refined finishing and exceptional driving capabilities. Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a high-performance hybrid said to produce over 1000hp and reach top speeds beyond 350km/h. The show car combines outstanding race track performance and day-to-day-suitable Formula 1 […]
M2 SEPTEMBER 2017 issue
Rising Dawn
It’s still pitch black when our alarms go off – 4.15am to be exact. Despite the early morning start, it’s easy to offset my drowsy, zombie-like mind with the sheer excitement of what’s on the agenda for today. While our time in New South Wales’ premier wine region, Hunter Valley, had so far consisted of […]
Wheels News – September 2017
Pictured: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Family Across the street, but way up-market Aston Martin finally has the home it deserves. Situated in the new nine-level, 5900-square metre Giltrap Group headquarters, Aston Martin Auckland offers the floor space to showcase up to 15 vehicles as well as a contemporary service centre, modern delivery suite and two luxurious […]
Health News, September 2017
CHOCOLATE Scientifically proven to be healthy A meta-analysis from Brown University has found a host of health effects from eating chocolate that stop the onset of scary words like “dyslipidemia”, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation which are apparently all major subclinical risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. If you can say that sentence off the top […]
Why You Shouldn’t Take Advice From Almost Anyone, A necessary precaution for success
I stopped taking advice from almost everyone years ago. It’s not because I’m better than anyone. In fact, I need all the wisdom and guidance (from the right sources) I can get. I have so much to learn — in my marriage, relationships, my business, my emotions, my behaviours, everything. If I don’t receive quality instructions and […]
M2 AUGUST 2017 issue
The Monthly Sports Agenda – August 2017
MAYWEATHER V MCGREGOR Not many of us wouldn’t get in the ring with Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather for a reported $180 million US and loudmouth Irishman Conor McGregor has the chance to make some dubious history. The fight between the undefeated Mayweather and the UFC drawcard is set to break all sorts of commercial records and […]
Honda Civic Type-R – True XTC
It has be said (rather cruelly), that the best thing to come out of Swindon is the M4 (motorway). However, as I in fact hail from said city, (or is that sad city? … I jest), this should be proof enough that this is not true. On top of this, we have the ‘Magic Roundabout’ […]
Wheels News – August 2017
Aston Martin Go ahead, drool, as Aston Martin reveals more ‘Valkyrie’ secrets.Rightfully there is a thirst for more knowledge about the Aston Martin Valkyrie – so here’s what we know so far. The Hypercar is powered by a 6.5L V12 (and some electric wizardry) that will produce 1000hp. Two massive Venturi tunnels feed the rear […]
An experience of Epic Propotions
A Heineken Hosted Party Cruise & European Tour Is as Awesome as You Would Imagine March 13th – just another day in the office – I received an email asking if I’d be interested in “experiencing an amazing Greek Islands Cruise where the UEFA Champions League final will be screened while out at sea, followed […]
M2 JULY 2017 issue
Man on the Street – Will Wood
Age: 35 Occupation: Comedian, producer, and account manager. What do you have for breakfast? Smashed avocado. It’s pretty indie, but it’s pretty good. What is your morning routine? Get up, hit the shower, call the Uber, done. What is your dream car? Porsche 959. What is the top spot on your bucket list? I’d like […]
Baby You’re Driving Me Crazy
Ansel Elgort’s star is still rising. He hit public consciousness first with The Fault in Our Stars in 2014 and then with his music career that’s kicking off to a solid start when he released his full album early in June. Lily James and Ansel Elgort’s stars are still rising. Ansel hit the public’s consciousness […]
Into the Woods
Natural, solid woods all have characteristics that are uniquely their own. Riva 1920 is an Italian company that uses such extraordinary woods that these features become an integral part of the design itself. Since 1400, the lagoon of Venice has been dotted with large posts rising from the water in groups of three to mark […]
Winter Warmers… More Great Wines to Bring to a Dinner Party
Warm up your winter evenings around a good drop of red. It’s a great time of year for dinner parties. Time to get light the fire, light the candles, relax and enjoy one another’s company over a nice roast and a good bottle of red. The challenge is to choose the right wine for the […]
M2 JUNE 2017 issue
12 signs of the Kodiaq
As you are undoubtedly aware, there are 12 signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces) and, depending on what you believe or read, wherever your birthday lands in terms of these signs will heavily dictate your own particular characteristics and talents. Of course, IMHO this […]
The Art of Abandonment, Photo Series Captures Civilizations Losing Battle Against Nature
Destroyed, decayed and derelict – all key elements that Jonk, a well-seasoned French photographer, seeks in his ultimate subject matter, for his ongoing series depicting abandoned structures. Do you come from a photography background? I did not study photography and learned everything myself, mostly from reading and exchanging ideas with fellow photographers. My background is […]
Limited numbers of bottles of this whisky are landing in NZ, here’s when & where to find them
Extending the annual Islay Whisky Festival – Feis Ile – in Scotland slightly, Ardbeg Day will be celebrated in New Zealand on Saturday June 3. The celebrations stretch across the country in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. There will be celebrations along with the official release of the limited edition Ardbeg Kelpie for purchase, paired canapes […]
The Art of Great Taste
Australia’s oldest family-owned winery has put its years of experience and wine pioneering expertise to good use with the exceptional and rare new wine, the 2012 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz. Under a moonlit sky, 168 years ago, Yalumba winemakers planted their first vines. Now, as the only Australian winery to have its own […]
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